My (Non-Existent) Itinerary in South America (or How I’m Dealing With My Anxiety)

I had a plan. Well, a vague idea. I came back from exploring Southeast Asia after only two months for two reasons: to speak at a NYC travel show in January and to give a keynote speech in Orlando in February about connecting with consumers on social media.

It didn’t make sense to fly home, back to Asia, and then back again, so what to do with the time in between talks?

“South America,” I thought. It’s a place I haven’t visited much, so what better way to spend my time than seeing the continent?

(Well, at least part of it.)

With the seven weeks I had, I planned to explore Argentina and Chile. Then, upon realizing that Uruguay was a ferry ride from Buenos Aires, I thought, “Let’s go there too.” So my seven-week trip was going to look like this:

I picked this route because it made the most logistical sense. Whereas my itinerary in Southeast Asia revolved around a purpose (to see Isaan), this itinerary came about because I drew straight lines and these places fell on the lines!

But, after two days in Buenos Aires, I changed my plans.

This time it had nothing to do with being pulled in another direction or meeting people and deciding to travel with them.

It had to do with the fact that I was metaphorically drowning.

See, I’ve always been a high-strung person. I work too much, I don’t balance work and play, and I make myself vague promises that tomorrow I’ll do things differently — but I never do. I have that New England work ethic (which I have no regrets about), but since December, it’s caused me anxiety. The kind that makes your eye twitch.

My assistant Erica describes my work ethic as “super full-time,” which normally isn’t a problem, but lately it’s developed into one. I’m juggling too many projects. While I’ve always done that, after talking to a really close friend, I realized that the difference between now and the past was that I did all my previous juggling while in one place. I could create a schedule. Now, I’m trying to do eight things (literally) while traveling, and it’s been hard to maintain.

Moreover, there’s been some really big personal and family issues going on that have just added to this “weight.”

Something had to give and, unfortunately, it was my sanity.

In an effort to reclaim my sanity and health and recommit to creating the balance in my life I promised myself months ago after my friend’s passing, I decided to make a change. Mind you, I’m not unhappy (my life is pretty awesome) or feeling ungrateful, and I know I brought this upon myself, but I can’t go on like this.

So what does that mean? Besides dropping projects left and right, my itinerary now looks like this:

Can’t see anything? Where’s that map? Nope, your browser is not broken. That’s no mistake. There’s no itinerary anymore. I now have no timetable for this trip. I’ve spent the last week in Mendoza, Argentina, drinking wine and finishing a couple of projects I needed/wanted done, but with those complete, all that is left is whatever blog posts I choose to write. I don’t plan on really seeing much other than Netflix (please, no Making a Murderer spoilers!), the end of many good books, and the great outdoors as I hike the shit out of Patagonia.

As I thought about the causes of my anxiety and feelings of panic, I kept coming back to the word have. I have to do this, I have to attend this event, I have to go to this meeting, or I have to say yes to this. My friend James Altucher wrote a book called The Power of No, and I’ve thought a lot lately about that liberating word — no. I feel in our modern life we fall into “the busy trap” where we say yes to everything. Suddenly, we get caught up in a cycle and we’re going nonstop. We’re overcommitted, burnt out, and drinking energy drinks or coffee to stay awake for it all.

But beyond a few basic needs (eating, drinking water, taking care of family, and working), we don’t have to do anything. We don’t need to say yes to everything or everyone. We can say no. We are the masters of our ship, and if we don’t want to do something, we don’t have to! It’s our lives. Who cares what people think? I always knew this on an intellectual level, but it wasn’t until my eye started twitching and I felt like I couldn’t handle it all that I finally realized it on an emotional level.

I got caught up in the cycle and didn’t realize until I was drowning. I let it get out of control.

So I am saying: no more.

I turned down that keynote. I don’t plan on running tours this year. I said no to all upcoming podcasts and interviews. I cleared the calendar, nuked the inbox, put up an out of office, and let go of some people in my life that shouldn’t have been there.

Now, I am off to Chile, where I’ll take an Intrepid tour of Patagonia. After that, I’ll stay in Patagonia and very slowly make my way back north to Santiago.

A few weeks ago, I watched the movie The Way. There is a great line in it: “You don’t choose a life. You live it.” But I only partially agree with that. I think you do make a choice.

Each day is a chance to get one step closer to your ideal, because if you don’t try to make tomorrow better than today, what’s the point?

As I make my choice to get closer to my ideal, I don’t know what the future holds, but I know I’m on the right path and that brings me a lot of comfort.

I love this post. For me, the best part of travel is being free and not having too much that I ‘have’ to do! My New Year’s travel resolution is to slow down, be more mindful, and just enjoy my travels. Good luck to you on your travels Matt!

Sounds like a very wise choice! There’s a lot to be said for keeping our lifestyle simple so we can enjoy the beauty of where we are when we are actually there and not focusing on the next thing we are supposed to do. Take care of yourself. I always enjoy your blogs and travel info!

I had a job that required many things to jell well.It used to stress me out,but never gave me a “panic attack”.I just had to accept that the most I could do would have to be enough.The stress melted away & I could apologize or laugh it off when I didn’t make everyone happy.

Good for you, Matt! I especially like how you talk about the “have”. Running a travel blog puts the pressure on that you “have” to go to this museum, post a photo, write tons of content, and constantly thinking about how you *have* to show what you’re doing to your audience. It’s exhausting! I’ve been struggling with this lately as well. I’m currently in Chile as well and it’s probably one of the best places to adopt this mindset. The people here live solely in the present and rarely plan far into the future. They actually get rather annoyed if you ask, “So what are we doing tomorrow?”. You’ll find yourself enjoying great food and conversations with people and not even realizing that 6 hours passed by! I hope you have an incredible time in Patagonia and traveling up through the country. Enjoy every moment, in the present 🙂

Props to you, Matt ! I give you props for your self actualization and for taking a step back. I think you’d really enjoy the TED talk by Brene Brown. It talks about the culture we live in that fosters that work ethic, and that we never feel like we’re (doing, being, having) enough. Worth it to check it out 🙂 Have fun with the rest of your trip! I admire all your work!

Hey Matt, thanks for such an honest post. Anxiety/depression/the weight of life can hit no matter where one is…it’s easy to think that being away from it all is a cure for anxiety, but sometimes things buried tend to rear their ugly heads at really unhelpful (read: should be fun) times. It sounds like you’re doing exactly the right thing for yourself and for your business, and of course giving your readers the same great guidance we trust you to give! Ps – can’t wait to read more posts about SA, as the new hubs and I are just kicking off our RTW trip in Brazil and have no set itinerary whatsoever. Thanks for being such a great inspiration and keep taking care of yourself!

It is refreshing to hear such honesty. I know you’ll find your way or, “the way” back to the balance you promised yourself months ago. Cheers to traveling into the unknown without a plan, it is the best way to find what it is you are truly looking for. Keep up the great work!

Good on you for listening to your spirit and allowing yourself the time you need. It is so, so difficult to say no to people- in fact, it’s almost easier to say yes and let your head rapidly sink beneath the surface. You are not alone in feeling this way! I’ve been leading a similar lifestyle and am SO grateful for everything and to have so much work (miraculously!), but I am horrified by the thought of disappointing someone by turning them down, despite barely clearing 5 hours of sleep a night and hardly exploring the amazing places I go (currently New Mexico!).

I think you are setting a great example for bloggers, remote workers, and career-types alike. I was feeling pretty down this morning and swimming with anxiety about meeting 2 tight deadlines for very important projects- your article was just the thing I needed to see in my feed. Thank you for the reminder!! And while balance is the name of the game, ENJOY your empty schedule for a bit!!

If you have not left yet you can visit this park before you cross the border.
It is an amazing place for self reflection. Three Rivers converge at this sacred place. I linked the park to my name if you want more information.

i hope you are enjoying your trip in South America, and specially Chile, ands Torres del Paine, wich is soooo beautiful…
i´m from santiago, so if you need a local tour guide, or someone to hang out around here, just let me now…

This is so hilarious to me because I am going through the exact same thing! I ended up over booking myself and I realized that I don’t have a good level of balance in my life. I actually chuckled out loud while reading this because my eye mysteriously started twitching too! I haven’t necessarily cleared my schedule, but I have stopped booking things for awhile and it should clear up in another week or so. I also decided to stop stressing and to just take a trip away to Sweden and also the Bahamas! I feel good about my decision, and hope it has the same outcome as you. Keep writing honestly, it helps all of us!

Sorry to hear that you’re struggling, but thanks for such an honest post. A lot of people assume that as long as you’re travelling you haven’t got a care in the world, but life (any life, including a fun life of travel) can get tough and it’s good that you’re cutting yourself a break. Wishing you all the best 🙂

Thanks for such an honest piece. I am 56 years of age. There have been sooo many times that I have been stressed and overwhelmed, mainly from trying to do Too Much Stuff. My escape has been travel. I find it so healing to get away from everything and everyone…to just wander and visit new places. Escapist? Sure, but it works for me. My favorite memory is sitting on a bench in Rome, eating a cup of gelato and people watching. By myself. No agenda, nothing to do. Bliss.
Travel gives me something to look forward to and something to look back upon.
Take care, Matt and recharge. I look forward to hearing from you soon.-Cyndi

Totally agree with Cyndi. I’m not traveling full time but am in a full time career. It can be super stressful when I take too much on or let my identity be dictated by the level of success I feel I’m achieving or not achieving at work. Travel is my time to get away and do just what Cyndi does, wander, visit new places and watch life go by. Unfortunately, I’m tied to time limitations with my travel so also have learned not to schedule too much, let days progress naturally and just be okay with not seeing everything just because it’s there. Good on you, Matt, I hope this re-organization gets you to the place you’re looking for.

I can totally understand you on juggling too many things at the same time. I am working super hard to move on and I have to remind myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint, and that I have time. Do only what you are comfortable with, and what makes you happy!

This came just when I needed it! I’m on what was *planned* to be a one year round-the-world backpacking trip. Only recently I realized how overplanned this trip had been. I practically was counting coins to make sure I was spending the right amount each day at the beginning of my trip. I should be in Australia now according to my projected plans I made a whole dang year ago. I’m in India now after having sought out a new 3 month visa. No plans other than enjoying and doing only exactly what I want.

Matt, I can take so much from this. Thank you! 🙂 I have just dropped some dead weight in my life – they were taking far too much from me and giving nothing back. I, too, have suffered from anxiety in the past but having recently launched Smash Monotony, I feel like I have found a new calling. And I have never felt more positive! BUT, I totally agree with everything you’re saying here – I’m not going to get weighed down with everything – it has to be on my terms. Anyway, I hope you’re well and will start feeling good about it all again soon. It’s comforting for us fellow travel bloggers to read such an honest post and know that we’re not alone. Cheers, Dan!

Hi Matt, thx for being so honest. I’m going to walk from Sevilla to Santiago de Compostella this year and taking 10 weeks to complete a 1000 kmtrs. Most poeple do this in 5 or 6 weeks. I’m planning to take my time, enjoy the scenery, the cities, the time away from home and the time to think of nothing else but me…about how I feel, what I want etc.
Some say I’ll not be able to take my time. They say I’ll be sucked into the ritme of walking every day. I will challenge them and make this my camino in which I do not “have” to do anything!
Wishing you the strengh to keep your cool and do what you want to do.

It can be super hard to balance work travel life, as I’m only a newbie in the combo i applaud you for doing t so well all these years, it is so much harder than it looks! Thanks for the reminder to listen and stop when your body tells you to. Enjoy the bliss that comes with slowing down!

hey Matt
it resonates and probably with a dozen other people. all stems from one single place be that what we call stress , perfectionism ,juggle multiple balls in the air, personal events etc.They call it the 21st century condition but i think it s been there throughout the ages – they just approached it differently or as some Russians would call it -everyday life (that one s debatable ). for me, if anything ,travel takes away my focus from anxiety and makes me focus on the road ahead and people i meet . when i bring up the word “have to” i usually start to tense and close up.

i recommend checking out Paul david s twitter page – anxietynomore or his books or facebook page under the same name. Anxiety is not a disease it s a condition brought in by overdoing , getting caught in the middle and overreacting .It usually comes up when our body and mind is trying to tell us something – usually a need to change or just to make time for that dolce far niente on the beaches of Chile . I think the “sweetness of doing nothing ” (ya Eat,pray,love is cheesy but right about a few things) is very much underestimated these days.

Good for you, Matt! You’ve worked so hard creating this nomadic Matt empire which has enriched so many of our travels but it shouldn’t come at the cost your own. At the end of the day, we all read this blog because it inspires us to travel and if you’ve lost your way a little bit then it’s good to just stop, take a breath and remember why you started it all in the first place.
All the best.

Reading this was refreshing – because it seems like a lot of people (especially blog or web based) are burning the candle at both ends. I recent had the opportunity to see a blogger I’ve followed for awhile in person – they write alot about passions and creativity, and making the best of life. I was sort of shocked at how….tired?…they looked. I mean, not that I don’t think someone who espouses balance and self-care can’t get jetlag, but it was more then that. It just seemed like…too much. We all need a vacation sometimes!

I highly recommend finding a place or community to practie meditation / deep breath work. It is the fastest approach I have found to restore sanity when you’re drowning in overwhelm mode. That and lots and lots of time in nature. I wish you peace during this time in restorative mode.

Love your honesty and your ability to “hold up the mirror” and reflect on your life. You have learned an important lesson about saying no! Many Americans, especially us Moms, think we can do and have it all. (What a lie!) One of my favorite quotes is from Henry David Thoreau “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
Thank you for your refreshing blog and reminding me about what is truly important!

Wow, this post came at pretty much THE perfect time for me. I’ve been very stressed about trying to do paid writing work while on the road (like you, it seems), and the work/worry was taking over my life and killing my drive to explore. Today I didn’t get a gig I was trying for, but I feel that’s actually a good thing — now I feel more free to let my curiosity lead me. The stress is fading already, replaced with excitement again.

Incidentally, I watched “The Way” a few weeks ago as well — I think sometimes we need these stories about people who are stuck in a rut and find a way to haul themselves out into the magic of the world again 🙂

Life always has challenges. I recently moved and selling my house was super stressful and I lost A LOT of $$, but I finally unloaded it. Then, I got to my new destination and other stuff also created new challenges. ie. Now that we have landed, I have no friends here, my kids have no friends here, etc… Of course moving ranks high on life’s challenges, but even stuff I hadn’t considered became tough.

One of the things I loved most about living in Panama was the freedom from feeling so many of those pressures. Yes, I was working, but because life there was so inexpensive, I didn’t have to be working all the freaking time. So I could visit with friends, go to the pool, and take my time when I wanted to. Now I’m back in the US, and I try to maintain the relaxation I learned in Panama, but sometimes the US-style pace and hustle gets to me.

Good for you, to recognize that our way of life just isn’t healthy, and to do something about it.

Anxiety and depression are a normal part of life as well as the family, friends, death and life issues. It can cloud even the most beautiful sunsets.
I travel a lot alone and sometimes it just “hits me” and I am lost.
The day comes when I am found again but I accept that things can be dreadful but other times I can move into a better place. We all experience it. We don’t know the answer why or how to deal with it. Traveling is not always easy and that little sense of “meaning” or “security” becomes lost. Tomorrow is another day.

My first backpacking trip, I experienced something I’d never felt in my life- true ownership of my time and my self. I’ve always had high expectations heaped upon me. And because of my bipolar disorder (manageable with medication), I sometimes have to act a certain way to assure those around me that I’m “just great!” I also self-police more than is typical- the way I dress, the way I talk- because feeling like an intelligent and put-together woman is important to me (especially in my competitive, male-dominated field: foreign affairs). Solo travel makes all of those concerns melt away. It lets you be your complete organic self. I don’t have to answer to anyone, and honestly, as a woman, I’ve never felt more empowered. And that feeling of empowerment and autonomy, though dimmer, stuck with me. I’m glad you’re taking the opportunity to reclaim yourself. You own YOUR own time and self. You’ve got a lot of loyal, long-term fans so do what you gotta do and we’ll support it. I know as well as anyone, mental health has to be a priority.

Good. For. You. I’m very similar in that I always overfill my plate, thinking that it’s the perfect balance when in reality I’m drowning. It’s stressful and not fun. I’m more comfortable saying no, but it’s really hard. FOMO is a serious thing, even though we think we’re not affected by it.

So go slowly. Take it in. Do what you need. Drink wine and nap. Hike and read books. We’ll still be here for you.

Really appreciated this post and can probably say that a lot of us have felt this way one time or another in our lives.

I think it’s important you acknowledged that you have a difficult time separating work and play, and that you’re working on that balance. It’s essential for everyone to find an opportunity every now and then to just let go, disconnect, and recharge the batteries!

Best of luck to you with sorting everything out. It sounds like you’re on the right path.

Often, I feel like travel becomes too planned. This article serves as a great reminder just to enjoy quiet and still moments in new places. I am reminded of a weekend trip I took to Switzerland when I was abroad. We were planning on seeing several villages and even had paragliding booked, but a foot of snow fell, and we got stuck in the mountains. But we were stuck in the SWISS ALPS in a beautiful snow storm. We spent a lot of time in our rented house watching movies, but we also got to enjoy the landscape in the village of Wengen which was a short walk from where we stayed. It was a beautiful weekend shared with some great friends. I’ve never been so at peace.

Hey Matt! It’s pretty coincidental that I’m feeling the same way about life and have taken measures to reduce the anxiety and “load”. Similarly, I’m not necessarily unhappy and definitely not ungrateful – just a little pushed to the limit with saying yes to too many things for too long. So much that I struggled with my last trip overseas and have put a ban on taking flights till June. It’s a little difficult for others to understand but I guess it doesn’t matter if they don’t get it. We know ourselves best and what we need. And it’s absolutely okay to say no!

I hope you feel better soon! I’m very jealous about your time in Patagonia. Nature had some great healing/calming power!

Hello Matt, you are right that we are the captains of our own ships. Most of the time we don’t realize it because we are busy working long hours everyday. We need to get out of the box that we are been stuck in for a long time, we need to charge our batteries in a quiet place… relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Nature is the best healer.

Matt this is a great post! This post can show all travellers alike that even if a trip is “rushed” or not very well planned its still worth going! Looks like you are having an amazing time and I can relate as my trip in South America was quite similar. Good luck Matt! Keep up the great work.

Hi Matt,
I am excited for you to walk Camino de Santiago. Please be aware that the same issues might happen on the Way as well. Planned itinerary, sticking to the stages, race to walk more km, etc. Hoping that Meseta will flesh out the sources of your anxiety. Buen Camino peregrine!

Hey Matt, If you are going to Torres del Paine and are willing to skip on Bariloche. I suggest taking the Navimag ferry from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt. Great boat ride going though the Chilean Fjords, great views. That is if you have time (4 days for the ferry), then take time to stop in Puerto Varas and Pucon on the way to Santiago. Two very nice places. Enjoy and have fun.

I just started following you, and received your first newsletter mentioning that there would be fewer of them in the future. I get it, I’ve had anxiety for years, and I’m amazed that I travel at all, so I can understand the need to cut back on some of the yes in your life. I’ll use this opportunity to catch up on the travels of your past.

My condolences about Scott. I didn’t know him, but I did follow the Live Your Legend blog, and watched him speak on TED. It was a strange thing for me to have a feeling of shock to find out that he had died. I had never felt such a sudden shock about a loss from someone I had never met nor spoke with before, but I had found him truly inspiring. And, look how amazing he was and how amazing his legacy continues to be- I don’t even know him, and I was moved by his passing and touched by his life. That’s pretty special.

There’s a great NY Times article that is really relevant to the way many of us over-plan, over-commit, and drive ourselves insane these days. (Click my name to see the link.)

Matt, not that I suggest you plan anything at all, but if you happen to find yourself with time near northwestern Argentina (Salta and Jujuy provinces), I highly recommend exploring that area. It was easily the most wonderful part of my Argentina trip! Peñas, wine, hiking, beautiful landscapes, and slower-paced life!

I think that this is the blog post of yours I’ve enjoyed the most. It is real. Human. Helpful in ways that go beyond [excellent] travel tips. I too find myself battling the nagging spectre of anxiety as I prepare to launch a nomadic online magazine. Hopefully both of us will discover balance in our endeavors. If it means taking a step back, then so be it. Self care (on top of self awareness) is what allows us to do things that others only dream of.

Hi Matt, Emailed you last week on these issues, but I think you can see that your honesty and openness about them, like your travel tips, are helping other readers in similar straits. We spent nearly a month in Italy in October, and while the major cities and attractions were wonderful, we spent a quiet and serendipitous week in a farmhouse in the Val d’ Orca of southern Tuscany. Sitting outside, gazing at the hills, and only hearing birds or the occasional bark of a dog was wonderful. We did not push ourselves AT ALL; one day we’d just go for a walk with new friends and then nap, and others we’d explore a hill town. But the point was to have unprogrammed time, and live moment to moment. Get some rest, breathe the fresh mountain air, and know we’re rooting for you!

Sounds like a great way to decompress, Matt. I love not having a schedule. We are watching Making a Murderer also!!! No spoilers of course. I’ll never forget when you stayed with Nathan and I and witnesses our reaction to a very pivotal moment in House of Cards!!! Lol!

Thank you so much for sharing your story!! I too suffer from the same “keep busy” mentality as you – I’m lucky in that I have a great partner who will recognize when I’m totally overwhelmed and remind me of when I need to slow it down. It’s so important to listen to yourself and know when to take a break! I hope you are able to find that balance 🙂

Hey Matt,
Like many people reading your blog I can completely relate to this post! I’m definitely one of those people who can’t say no either and then find myself doing way too many projects to handle.. and then the stress and anxiety comes. Then all you can do is switch off, rewind and refresh.

Enjoy your time switching off. I hope you are able to refresh, regather yourself and find that infectious energy again which i love reading in your blogs.

P.S. for the record, i think you are the only blog i follow post to post and neswletter i allow to stay in my inbox. Your honesty and the fact you write about your real physical, emotional and sensual experiences as a traveller rather than just the places you have been is precisely the reason for this. So thanks. I look forward to reading your next update when the time comes. ?

Omg…I literally had just told someone that is very dear to me NO! It felt liberating even though I saw the disappointment on there face and they wanted to dispute what I am doing with my life. Which is always traveling more and enjoying life and taking time to spell the roses. I\’m keeping the keys to my happiness in my own pocket!

Thanks for the post it was great to see it right after I spoke with this person. It reaffirmed I am exactly where I need to be and I am doing exactly what is best for only ME!

Hi Matt,
hope you get well soon!! I have an idea about anxiety and totally understand what you mean, so take it easy, meditate and try breathing exercises and just do what you really want to do, even if it is sitting under a tree watching the landscape. The areas you’re visiting are really nice to do that. It’s a pity you won’t be able to come to Uruguay, Colonia is gorgeous, Montevideo, the capital city too and Punta del Este, the famous seaside resort are worth the visit. Maybe next time we can arrange a tour with my husband and a couple of friends, who also happen to love traveling around the world. We uruguayans have this “thing” of not knowing to say no, we always avoid it, we tend to go with “yeah, maybe” or “yes” and then “no”, instead of saying no right from the beginning, so maybe you got “the uruguayan bug”. Take it easy, rest, enjoy every day without plans and get well soon!!

Sounds like you have really tuned into your needs. No better place to be present and empty than in nature! In case it’s helpful for you or others going through something similar, I found a natural remedy that stopped my pre-travel panic attacks dead. I had three horrible attacks, one while driving on the motorway. Pretty scary stuff to be honest. I went to see a kinesiologist, who didn’t ask me anything and wasn’t aware of these panic attacks. She suggested I take the BACH REMEDY ROCK ROSE in a glass of water ‘whenever I thought of it’. She looked a little confused as she said it and said ‘this remedy is for panic and terror’ I smiled as she had hit the nail on the head, I’ve never since had another episode. It is inexpensive, natural, harmless and effective. I have also successfully used it when experiencing nightmares.

Just remember that \”no\” is a complete sentence. You do not have to do anything you do not want to, nor do you have to justify to anyone else why you don\’t want to do it. I\’m a people-pleaser myself, so that phrase keeps things in check for me when I need to remember to take time for myself.

Matt, at the busiest time in my career, I started having panic attacks too. After turning down drugs, a friend reminded me it’s the fight or flight area or the brain affected. So even sometimes when I thought I couldn’t move, I would get up and do jumping jacks, go outside and run around the house, do something vigorously physical…and it always worked. Give it a try when you’re in its grip. Be well.

Hi Matt,
I was in Patagonian Argentina last November and think that it could be a good place for you to shed your anxiety. For starters, the scenery is so goddamned gobsmackingly beautiful, that you can’t help but be humbled by Mother Nature and the force of glaciers. I kept thinking “impossible” as I gazed upon the Perito Moreno glacier and the Fitzroy range– it took me outside of myself. Secondly, some of these small towns (like El Chalten in Argentina) have wretched wifi. Yes, they are a tourist destination, but they aren’t stocked with a fat internet pipe. So your committment to unplug from email will actually be easy to fulfill. And should you try to relapse, the fragile local infrastructure will thwart you.

I wish you well. This is Nikhil and I’m from India and live in Dubai. If you ever heard of the ‘Vipassana’ course please do attend it. It will liberate you from all chaos in life and liberate you like a bird. Let me know if you need more information or help.

I just joined your blog since I plan to see the world at any cost and it brings me real sense of life (I don’t follow any other blog in the world!) and found you to be true at heart person. I really appreciate that.

Thanks so much for your honesty, Matt! I know from experience that it can be tough to say no to all the “haves” in life…this past year was a lot about learning that lesson in my own life. Praying that you’ll find rest, rejuvenation, and clarity on what are the REAL “haves” in your life during your sabbatical! Oh, and enjoy Patagonia. I’m a little jealous. 🙂

It’s great to hear you’re taking some time for yourself. That’s really important.

As a subscriber to your email list, and someone who reads all you emails, I’m truly grateful for all that you do for us in this community. Your love of the work you do shines through to us every single time you publish something. I hope you know that.

But we all need time to rest, recharge, and get away from the stress that we create in out lives. We all need to say no sometimes for our own mental health and safety.

When you’re ready, we’ll all still be here. Heck, there may be a few more of us here when you get back.

Learning to say “no” is a biggie. It took me 50 years to figure that one out and it’s life changing. Now I’ve discovered another step and that is to view everything I do as “I GET to.” Everything! I get to take a shower (grateful to have hot water and indoor plumbing). I get to go to the grocery store (happy that there’s so much food to choose from). I get to go… I get to go to work, I get to drive my car, I get to visit with friends, I get to… leaving me with a wonderful perspective. Now I’m 69 and it’s been an incredible journey that I get to continue. Wishing you the best Matt! So happy that I “get” to read your writings. Thank you.

Hey Matt,
Welcome to Chile! I’m an American who’s been living in central Chile for the past 3+ years. I’m a licensed (US and Chile) acupuncturist, and I’ve successfully treated many clients with anxiety. If you’re passing through Region VII (Region de Maule) and would like some complimentary treatment sessions to help you on your way, please let me know. I have sent an email to you and Erica with my contact info, in case you’re interested or if you need a place to crash. Best of luck on your journey!
Cheers,
Dan

One of my best trips was Buenos Aires to Bariloche; lake crossing into Chile and overnighting on the island of Puella; on to a fabulous resort whose name escapes me, but we saw the southern cross; then to Puerto Mont and a visit to Chiloe; then the overnight train to Santiago. Chile is one of my very favorite countries …enjoy and recover.

Hello Matt, I had a twitching eye problem a few years ago. Actually it was a twitching eyelid problem. Lower eyelid, on one side. I\’m not sure what the cause of it was. (Yes, it was probably stress related.) But I know what cured it. Acupuncture. It took a few sessions, but I gained relief after every session. Finally I was \”cured\”.

Hi Matt. This seems to happen to most to us at some point. Anyone could say you are “living the dream” and yet… I’m also prone to keep myself busy all the time (which is completely atypical for a Costa Rican, probably). I’ve got myself into work gigs knowingly just for the money, and then I have had deep regrets about them. On those, it is hard to say no specially since you don’t know where your next paycheck is going to come from. But at large we’re already paying a higher price for them in terms of (in)sanity, stress and anxiety. Maybe it “pays” better to live a simpler life, to cut on expenses you don’t need, and rejoice on what’s around you. After all, the only “luxury” I’m interested in at this life stage is to keep affording to travel around the world and make new friends around it. And find happiness in simplicity. Here’s to you getting better – I know you will.

You picked the perfect continent for long term travel! I inadvertently did the same thing for three years! Travelling slow allows you build deeper and stronger connections! It allows you to experience things you otherwise would not have experienced if you are travelling fast paced and on a set itinerary. My destinations were based on word of mouth by locals and fellow travellers alike. I lived spontaneously and trusted my instincts. I learn to become prepared for any situation. I grew. I fully observed and immersed myself in the sociocultural practices and traditions whilst getting some projects and work done! South America is safe, friendly and accommodating for any traveller.

After a tough and whirlwind year in Asia and Africa, I took a gamble by booking that ticket to South America. I had no idea what to expect. It was my first time to consider travelling long term, afraid and alone in a continent I have never been to. The experience taught me so much about myself – my strengths, weaknesses and capabilities. It helped me to become honest with myself. I got to clear my head reorient my thoughts into what matters and what doesn’t. After three years, I became fluent in Spanish, discovered my look for cooking, conquered countless of fears, became more appreciative of nature, more romantic and I don’t shy away from breaking into song and dance anymore.

I think I can relate to a few things,
-“super full-time”
– Work -play balance
-“Vague promises that tomorrow I will do things differently”
And the results is anxiety and feelings of panic.
Think it’s time to say NO.

I really appreciate this blog. It applies to all of us. I especially like your thought about making each day count. Making each day better. I’ve been going through a tough year and saying no is OK too. Being kind to yourself is very important.

I did not comment on this one earlier (some stupid technical reason) but stumbled upon this again.

I know I\’m late in replying but also know that you are okay. You are fine and doing good. Sometimes you need to let go of many things to move forward with the things you want to continue.
All the best Matt for future endeavors. Hope to meet you somewhere someday in this world.